Arsenal News: Gunners Deny Tuchel Move

Arsenal Deny Tuchel Is To Replace Wenger

Arsenal have approached Borussia Dortmund coach Thomas Tuchel as the replacement for Arsene Wenger according to reports.

The German newspaper Bild claims that Tuchel has been sounded out by the Gunners. However, Arsenal are denying the report and it being claimed this morning that Wenger has told another Premier League manager that he is staying on.

Bild says that the Gunners made an approach last week to Tuchel whose Borussia Dortmund side currently lie in third place in the Bundesliga.

Wenger’s contract expires at the end of the season and he said on Saturday he has now made up his mind about whether to stay on or step down this summer. An announcement during this week’s international break has always been on the cards. However, any such decision is likely to result in him signing a new deal.

But Arsenal were contacted this morning by Sky Sports News HQ about the Bild report. A spokesman told the TV channel that the report was “not true”.

Arsenal were beaten 3-1 at West Bromwich Albion on Saturday. It was their fourth Premier League defeat in their last five games and the Gunners are now in danger of failing to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

But Baggies boss Tony Pulis said after the match that he has it on good authority that Wenger will stay on beyond the end of this season.

“I’ll be surprised if he goes,” Pulis told The Sun. But when asked to expand on that point he replied: “Because he told me.”

Arsenal have always insisted that any decision on Wenger’s future will be taken jointly between the manager and the club. An announcement on his future could be made later this week.

Bournemouth Want Permanent Move For Wilshere

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere is a summer transfer target for Bournemouth. The 25-year-old is currently on a season-long loan with the Cherries.

Wilshere came off the bench for Bournemouth’s 2-0 victory over Swansea City on Saturday evening. After the match, Cherries boss Eddie Howe was asked about the possibility of a permanent transfer move.

“We couldn’t think more of the player, so if there was a chance for us to maintain our relationship beyond this season we would certainly look at that,” Howe said.

“I haven’t spoken to him about his future yet. We are immersed in the season and trying to fight for every point we can get. Any talk about the future is for the summer.”

Arsenal are also being linked with Everton midfielder Ross Barkley. The England international has been told by Toffees boss Ronald Koeman that he will be sold if he doesn’t sign a new deal at Goodison Park.

Tottenham Hotspur boss Mauricio Pochettino is known to be keen on a move for Barkley. Reports over the weekend have added Chelsea to that list. Now, Arsenal are believed to be keen.

However, Arsenal could miss out on Monaco defensive midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko. The 22-year-old is believed to be keen on a move to Chelsea. Arsenal scouts watched Bakayoko in last week’s Champions League victory over Manchester City.